Questions and Answers
Two Big, Important Questions:
What if I'm not photogenic?
You are photogenic and anyone who's said otherwise was lying! Any photographer will tell you that they hear this concern constantly. The important thing to remember is that you're not hiring a friend with an iPhone, you're hiring a professional. For one thing, I have the photography skills your sorta-influencer friend only wishes they had.
But to be completely honest, it's not only about the artistic approach. It's also a numbers game! I'm going to take thousands of pictures on any given wedding day, and there's bound to be one that even the most self-conscious of newlyweds love. At this point I've lost track of clients who "never liking photos of themselves" that are overjoyed to see themselves differently. My own wedding photos did that for me!
Do you work with LGBTQIA+ clients?
Yes.
I like to cut the chase when it comes to that question; it's a shame I even need to make it clear. Many folks outside the community may wonder if it's really necessary to even ask. As a southerner with years of experience in the industry below the mason-dixon, I know plenty of queer couples who have reached out to a vendor and received polite declinations at best and vitriol at worst. Not to mention, that issue is not as geography-based as some would like to believe.
I'm a part of the queer community myself, and I take a particular pride in work that affirms folks that the close-minded deem "abnormal". Your identity won't receive any shame from me, only celebration.
FAQ
What is your Turnaround Time?
8 weeks for weddings, with an average of 4-5 weeks for actual delivery of full weddings.
1-2 weeks for smaller shoots based on complexity, but a full engagement shoot is typically 4-5 days.
How many photos do I get?
Usually between 800 and 1300 photos depending on event length, with some photos from the same burst to allow for client preference.
Do you offer prints or album packages?
My full size wedding offerings include some free prints and discounts on album design services, and final galleries have a full shop integration with printers I use for my own home. I also have a partnership with an Italian print shop to provide luxury wedding albums on request.
Are you available outside of New England or Virginia?
You bet I am! Get in touch to discuss your specific scenario. I recommend getting in touch before booking your venue so we can ensure I clear my plate for a few of your preferred dates. Domestically, I'm currently offering travel discounts on weddings in Denver, Chicago, Madison, and Mobile.
Do you do couples, maternity, or family photography?
Yes to all of your questions, and I can provide sample galleries on request!
What's your weather plan?
I do have equipment to handle inclement weather, but there are reasonable restrictions to the conditions I can work in. But no worries, I won't melt in light showers!
Do I own my photos?
You're granted a perpetual personal use license for your photos, as is standard in the industry. This is to ensure our photos are used with our permission and compensation if clients want to use the photos for marketing or political pursuits.
Will you advertise with my photos?
As I own the copyright to photos, I am allowed to share them for marketing purposes without express permission. However, I grant reasonable requests for necessary privacy concerns (ask me for examples). I also am always happy to not use images of minors when requested.
How far in advance are your books open?
24 months, but, I mean... you can always reach out and see if I'm down.
How will I receive my photos?
A web gallery which allows you to download photos (as a full gallery or individually), make favorites lists, set privacy protections, and shop for print products. Physical delivery is available for $25 + shipping costs if the client provides the storage device, or $75 for a flash drive delivered via certified mail. Photos downloaded as a full gallery will be compressed into a .zip file and require compatible software for decompression.
What if we run late (weddings)?
Weddings in which I'm requested to stay longer are charged my hourly fee ($500/hr) plus an overage fee ($150) for each cumulative hour I'm requested to stay unless agreed upon in writing 48 hours prior to the commencement of the agreed coverage start time. For billing, time is considered a "new hour" at the fifteenth minute of the first extra hour and the fifth minute of subsequent hours. Client must provide rented accommodations for any events ending after 11 PM outside of an 80 mile radius of my home base for the event.
What if we run late (portrait sessions)
The duration of the shoot begins at the agreed upon start time, regardless of whether the client is present. Small mishaps (around 10-15 minutes) may receive that extra time for a session, but I may not always be able to provide that if my day is on a tight timeline. Shoots rescheduled due to lateness of over $20 minutes will be subject to a fee equivalent with 20% of the shoot's original fee.